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Wizz Air, easyJet, and Norse Atlantic have added multiple UK routes in the past week. Three stand out for various reasons, including being 'different' and their distance. Indeed, easyJet's new Manchester to Sal, Cape Verde, service will be the carrier's second-longest link ever, with number one beating it by just one nautical mile!
The word "long" in the title refers to each route within each carrier's network, not necessarily to the route itself.
Wizz Air adds London-Madinah
On February 25, the ultra-low-cost carrier Wizz Air revealed its next route, which the soon-to-be-delivered Airbus A321XLR will operate: London Gatwick to Medinah, Saudi Arabia.
A daily service using Wizz Air UK equipment for bilateral reasons will begin on August 1. Generally, flights will leave the UK's second-busiest airport at 20:05 and arrive at 04:25+1; overnight flights are unusual for the carrier. Returning, they'll go at 05:20 and return at 10:00—blocked at 6h 40m.
"The route is undoubtedly underpinned by hefty incentives from the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, without which it would not have been considered. "
The market revolves around Umrah and, at times, Hajj traffic. It will be the UK's only Medinah service, with booking data showing that London alone had 136,000 point-to-point passengers last year (363 daily). It will be the first time the market has had regular flights although Saudia offered a short-term service to London Heathrow for pilgrimage reasons until 2019.
Wizz Air will aim to grow traffic through non-stop flights lower fares and hopefully strong promotions. However, "the carrier is advertising return base fares of around £400 which hardly seems attractive. " Still they are slightly lower at peak times versus longer but probably more comfortable one-stop options.
At 2;498 nautical miles (4;626 km); it will be airline's new third-longest route networkwide after two other new and XLR-operated links: Milan Malpensa to Abu Dhabi (which starts on June 2; daily) and Gatwick-Jeddah (which begins on March31; daily).
Related
Wizz Air Reports On Q3 Challenges: Now Expects137 Airbus A321 Planes Delivered By2028
Wizz Air's CEO mentioned that management at airline is currently negotiating a tender for engines for177 A321neos.
easyJet's second UK-Cape Verde route
On February25; easyJet revealed multiple UK routes among them Birmingham to Lanzarote Liverpool Gran Canaria Southend Barcelona Lanzarote Salzburg
But standout was easyJet's second route Cape Verde Manchester Sal three-weekly operation begins October28 flights leaving Northwest England airport returning
It compete directly TUI becoming first time since2019 market two airlines In
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Cape Verde is an increasingly popular winter destination for Northern Europeans due to its favorable weather and beaches. easyJet Holidays' involvement underscores its importance for this route.
Norse Atlantic adds London-Bangkok
Last week long-haul-only carrier Norse Atlantic introduced its first Thai route from UK starting October26 mainly running four weekly flights using Boeing787-9s frequencies varying depending week back Gatwick arriving18:
In a significant development for the United States Air Force (USAF), the B-1B Lancer bomber is set to receive upgraded pylons, enhancing its capabilities in the realm of hypersonic weapons.
American Airlines has announced new routes for the upcoming winter season, focusing on expanding its network in Latin America from key hubs.
Australian airline Qantas has received its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
Available from July 14 to 31, 2025, Emirates will offer a special seasonal menu celebrating British summer flavors.
Delta Air Lines is expanding its use of artificial intelligence in pricing strategies.
Taiwan-based EVA Air is set to introduce its new premium economy cabin in the United States, starting with a service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this fall.
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